Easy French Cherry Clafoutis Recipe: Rustic Farmhouse Delight

Sweet summer cherries burst with flavor in this classic clafoutis recipe, a delightful French dessert that melts in your mouth.

Traditionalists swear by leaving the pits in for an authentic rustic touch and deeper almond-like essence.

The silky batter creates a custardy base that perfectly cradles ripe, juicy cherries.

Each spoonful offers a delicate balance of tender fruit and smooth, rich custard.

Baked until golden and puffy, this dessert looks as elegant as it tastes.

Serve warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a decadent treat that transports you straight to the French countryside.

Prepare to indulge in a simple yet sophisticated dessert that will impress everyone at the table.

FAQs

• What is a Clafoutis?

A traditional French dessert originating from the Limousin region, Clafoutis is a rustic baked fruit pudding or cake-like dish typically made with fresh cherries nestled in a rich, custardy batter.

• Can I use different fruits in Clafoutis?

Yes, while cherries are classic, you can experiment with other soft fruits like raspberries, plums, or apricots. Just ensure the fruits are ripe and not too watery to maintain the right texture.

• Is Clafoutis considered a breakfast or dessert?

Clafoutis is versatile and can be enjoyed as both a dessert and a breakfast dish. Its light, sweet nature makes it perfect for morning brunch or an after-dinner treat.

• Why do some recipes leave cherries unpitted?

Traditionally, French bakers leave cherry pits in during baking, believing they add a subtle almond-like flavor. However, for safety and convenience, most modern recipes recommend pitting the cherries.

Why Clafoutis Is a Delightful Dessert

• This clafoutis recipe requires minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for beginner bakers who want to create a sophisticated dessert without stress.
• Packed with fresh cherries and blueberries, this dessert offers a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Suitable for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a delightful afternoon treat, this clafoutis adapts to any mealtime and impresses guests with its rustic French charm.
• Using basic pantry staples like eggs, flour, milk, and sugar, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels like a gourmet indulgence.

Simple Ingredients for Clafoutis

• Cherries: Sweet and juicy stone fruits that provide a burst of flavor in the clafoutis.
• Blueberries: Small, soft berries that add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the dessert.

• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the batter together.
• Superfine Sugar: Creates a smooth sweetness and helps with the golden-brown surface.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and decorative finish to the top of the clafoutis.

• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the custardy texture of the clafoutis.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy batter.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps prevent the clafoutis from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Make Classic Clafoutis

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 180°C (350°F).

Grab a large baking dish and lovingly brush it with melted butter, making sure every nook and cranny is covered.

Scatter your juicy pitted cherries and plump blueberries across the dish, creating a colorful fruity canvas.

Step 2: Create the Silky Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar together until they become light and airy.

Gradually introduce flour, whisking with care to banish any pesky lumps.

Pour in the remaining melted butter and milk, stirring until you’ve got a smooth, velvety batter that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Combine Fruit and Batter

Gently cascade the batter over the waiting fruits, ensuring they’re perfectly nestled throughout.

The colors will start to peek through, creating a gorgeous mosaic of flavors.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and a skewer comes out clean.

The kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

The moment the clafoutis emerges from the oven, sprinkle it with a dusting of sugar.

This magical step creates a delicate, crispy top that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the clafoutis cool slightly on a rack.

Serve it warm or at room temperature – either way, it’s a slice of pure joy.

Grab a fork and dive into this rustic French dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Tips for Perfect Clafoutis Texture

• Choose perfectly ripe, sweet cherries and blueberries for the most intense, natural flavor in your clafoutis.
• Sift the flour before adding to the egg mixture to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter that creates a silky texture.
• Check the clafoutis early, as oven temperatures can vary; look for a golden-brown top and a set center to avoid overcooking.
• Experiment with different berry combinations or add a splash of almond extract to complement the fruity base.
• Enjoy the clafoutis slightly warm for the most tender texture and most pronounced fruit flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Clafoutis

• Store leftover clafoutis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire clafoutis in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Place clafoutis on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Warm individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add additional 15-second intervals if needed, ensuring even heating without drying out the dessert.

What to Pair with Clafoutis

• Savor Sweet Vanilla Cream Pairing: Pour a chilled vanilla bean custard sauce alongside the warm clafoutis, creating a luxurious contrast between temperatures and complementing the fruity dessert's rich texture.
• Enhance Sparkling Wine Match: Select a light, crisp sparkling rosé or Champagne to highlight the dessert's delicate sweetness and cut through the buttery batter, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Craft Almond Liqueur Companion: Drizzle a small amount of amaretto or almond-flavored liqueur around the clafoutis, which beautifully enhances the cherry and blueberry notes while adding a subtle nutty undertone to the dessert experience.
• Create Whipped Cream Accent: Top the warm clafoutis with a dollop of freshly whipped cream lightly sweetened with vanilla extract, offering a soft, creamy element that balances the dessert's dense and fruity character.

Flavor Options for Clafoutis

• Gluten-Free Berry Clafoutis: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original texture and taste.
• Vegan Cherry Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to craft a completely dairy-free and egg-free dessert.
• Low-Sugar Fruit Variation: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate lower-glycemic fruits like raspberries or blackberries for a healthier alternative.
• Nutty Berry Clafoutis: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts on top before baking to add a crunchy texture and enhance the nutritional profile with extra protein and healthy fats.

Clafoutis Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet French cherry clafoutis brings rustic charm straight from Limousin’s countryside kitchens. Delicate batter nestles ripe cherries in a warm, custardy embrace that beckons you to savor each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup cherries, pitted
• 1 cup blueberries

Sugars:

• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon superfine sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Fats and Butter:

• 1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons butter, melted and divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180°C (350°F) and thoroughly coat a large baking dish with melted butter, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Distribute pitted cherries and blueberries evenly across the buttered dish, creating a uniform fruit layer.
3. Whisk eggs and superfine sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and slightly frothy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
4. Gradually incorporate flour into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent any lumpy textures from forming.
5. Pour melted butter and milk into the batter, stirring until a silky, consistent mixture develops without any visible flour streaks.
6. Gently pour the prepared batter over the arranged fruits, ensuring an even distribution and complete fruit coverage.
7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the Clafoutis sets completely and a skewer emerges clean when inserted into the center.
8. Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the surface with remaining superfine and powdered sugars, creating a delicate, sweet crust.
9. Allow the Clafoutis to rest and cool slightly on a wire rack, enabling the dessert to set and develop its final texture.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature, presenting a delightful fruity dessert with a soft, custardy interior.

Notes

• Watch the baking time closely, as ovens vary, and you want a golden-brown top with a slightly jiggly center for the perfect texture.
• Replace cherries and blueberries with seasonal fruits like peaches, plums, or apricots to create exciting variations of this classic dessert.
• Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Cut down on sugar by using ripe, sweet fruits and adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg